Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions: The Consequences of Christ's Atonement

What are the immediate direct consequences of Christ's work on the cross according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, there are two immediate direct consequences of Christ's work on the cross that he already addressed: First, it affected "God's relationship to sinful mankind" (not changing God's eternal being, which never changes, but His relationship to sinners); and second, it affected "heaven itself," as sin in some way affected heaven and needed to be cleansed, as referenced in Hebrews 9:23.

What does it mean that the new covenant was ratified by Christ's blood?

The new covenant between God and men was ratified by the shedding of Christ's blood on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains this is a fundamental principle throughout scripture - "God never makes a covenant with men except he ratifies it by the shedding of blood." Jesus Himself said at the Last Supper, "This cup is the New Testament (covenant) in my blood, which is shed for you." This ratification of the covenant by blood follows the pattern seen with earlier covenants made with Abraham and Moses.

What is the most important blessing for believers that comes from Christ's work on the cross?

The most important blessing that comes to believers from Christ's work on the cross is "the forgiveness of our sins" - and specifically that this forgiveness is "once and for all." As Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes, "All our sins, past, present and future, were dealt with once and forever and for all, perfectly, upon the cross on Calvary's hill. There is no need of any fresh action on the part of God to deal with any sin that any believer may ever commit."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the new access to God that believers have under the new covenant?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes this access using Hebrews 10:19: "Having, therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." Unlike the Old Testament system where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once yearly with fear and trembling, believers now have "holy boldness" to approach God directly. He emphasizes that this access is not based on our merit or righteousness but "by the blood of Jesus." He states it is "no sign of humility" to doubt whether God has forgiven you - rather, "It is our business to know that our sins are forgiven."

What does it mean that believers are "not under law but under grace"?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, being "not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14) doesn't mean Christians don't have to keep God's moral commandments. Rather, it means we're no longer under the law as a means of salvation. Under the old covenant, people were responsible to keep the law to be saved, which was impossible. Christ has now "kept the law for us" and fulfilled it. The difference in the new covenant is that God now writes His laws "into their mind and in their hearts" rather than on external tablets of stone. God not only puts the desire to obey in believers but also works in them "both to will and to do" His good pleasure.

How does Christ guarantee believers' continuance in salvation?

Christ guarantees believers' continuance in salvation through His ongoing intercession as our high priest. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points to Hebrews 7:25: "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Unlike the mortal priests of the Old Testament who died and were replaced, Christ "ever liveth" and has "an unchangeable priesthood." He not only begins the work of salvation but continues it until its completion. Christ "saves to the uttermost" - not just initiating salvation but guaranteeing its continuance to the very end.

What is antinomianism and why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones warn against it?

Antinomianism is the false teaching that since believers are not under the law but under grace, they can "do what they like" and continue in sin. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls this "one of the most dangerous things that can ever afflict the people of God." He refutes this error by pointing out that in the new covenant, God writes His laws in believers' hearts and minds, creating an internal desire to obey rather than merely imposing external rules. Additionally, God works in believers "both to will and to do" His good pleasure. Thus, genuine salvation leads to a life of obedience, not license to sin.